Anne Burrell‘s death is being investigated by NYPD as a possible drug overdose.
According to TMZ, NYPD is looking into the possibility Burrell ingested a fatal amount of drugs before her death on the morning of Tuesday June 17.
The news comes after it was reported that that a “large quantity” of pills were located near the Food Network star, though it’s unclear if they were loose pills or located in prescription bottles. The name(s) of the pills are currently unknown.
TMZ says that Burrell’s husband, Stuart Claxton, last saw her alive around 1 a.m. the night before her death. He allegedly found her between six and seven hours later in the shower and called 911, reportedly telling the operator that “Anne went into cardiac arrest.” She was declared dead at the scene.
Her cause of death is still under examination by the medical examiner.
In a statement to People Magazine on June 17, Burrell’s family said, “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
Since her passing, Burrell’s Food Network colleagues, including Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, and Rachael Ray, have taken to social media to honor the Worst Cooks In America host. She was only 55 years old.
On Friday, June 20. Claxton hosted a memorial service for the renowned chef at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Over 200 friends, relatives and Food Network colleagues gathered to celebrate Burrell’s life and legacy.